1904 - 2004 Centennial Projects

POWER: An independent inquiry into Britain's democracy

A joint centenary project of Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, the POWER inquiry is addressing the question - how can political participation and involvement in the UK be increased and deepened?

There is widespread recognition that popular participation and involvement in formal politics has suffered a serious decline in recent years. In the long term, the legitimacy and suitability of our democratic structures and processes could be damaged if the political system grows out of touch with the wider public. The POWER Inquiry has been set up to explore, through public engagement, research and a high profile commission, the causes of our disillusionment and to examine new approaches to political participation. It aims to make concrete and innovative proposals to reverse the trend.

VISIONARIES for a just and peaceful world

We have recruited seven women and men, each with a mission and a vision to make the world more just and more peaceful. They include a human rights advocate pledged to close down Guantanamo Bay, a food industry expert with a vision to create global food sustainability and a man who believes that he can save thousands of lives in developing countries through better health advertising.

Launched in 2005 to mark the centenary of the JRCT, the Visionaries project will provide each of the seven with the support necessary to pursue their vision for five years.

Chosen from more than 1600 applicants, each of the seven has embarked on a project to bring their vision of a better world into being.

Centennial Fellows

In preparation for the centenary, the Trust funded four one-year post-doctoral fellowships at the University of York to undertake the first independent academic studies of the Trust's history and work.

Jonathan Davies (Political Science)
Democracy programme

Mark Freeman (History)
The first 50 years

Lisa O'Malley (Social Policy)
JRCT and social policy

Lorna Gold (Political Science)
Quaker and conflict

Research findings were presented at a public event at the University of York in 2002 and have formed the basis of published articles. The Trust is grateful to the University, and particularly Neil Carter, for hosting and co-ordinating the fellowships.